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The Rich History of Piazza San Marco: Heart of Venice

Piazza San Marco, commonly known as St. Mark's Square, has served as the social, religious, and political center of Venice since its inception in the 9th century. Originally a small space centered around St. Mark's Basilica, the Piazza expanded significantly in the 12th century under Doge Sebastiano Ziani's influence. Known as one of Europe’s most celebrated squares, Piazza San Marco has witnessed the rise and fall of the Venetian Republic, the grandeur of imperial celebrations, and even the dramatic occupation by Napoleon Bonaparte, who famously referred to it as the “Drawing Room of Europe.”